Syracuse, N.Y. — In the immediate moments after it happened, Julian Whigham wasn't sure if he would live to play another down of football. The hit he absorbed at Florida State left him wobbly and coughing up blood, pain so searing he likened it to "getting hit by a truck."

Such gloomy thoughts subsided by the time he went to bed in a Tallahassee hospital that November night, and the resounding message Whigham conveyed here Saturday before the first practice of the preseason was that he has put any worries about returning to the field in the rearview mirror.

Whigham, a projected starting cornerback for Syracuse this season, fully participated in winter conditioning and spring practice, and is now approaching the 2014 season as a breakthrough year. His large hands and long fingers helped him reel in three interceptions and break up three more passes last year as a rotational player, but now he is one of just three cornerbacks on the roster with extensive playing experience.

"I've always strived to be better and I was starting to reach my peak against Florida State and it really hurt that I got injured because I felt like I had a lot left in the tank to give to that season," Whigham said. "Coming into this year I expect to full-throttle just kill it, just be a great corner and match up with the best in the ACC."

Whigham called the rehab late last year "quick" and "easy." He said he started feeling better during the practices leading up to the bowl game and downplayed any concerns about returning to full contact. He said he will not wear any extra padding to protect his chest.